Volunteer in South Africa!

Join thousands of volunteers making a significant difference with their lives!

Experience the joy of knowing someone else's life has been improved because YOU were there.
Partner with others who understand that a better world begins with changing a single life.
Starting at $450, ours are the most affordable volunteer-abroad programs available worldwide.
Your safety is always our priority … every volunteer location has been thoroughly vetted.
Contribute in the most meaningful way possible by volunteering in one of our many life-changing projects.

Welcome to Volunteer in South Africa

Would you like to travel abroad and experience a fascinating country? Does exploring Africa while lending a hand where it's needed interest you? Consider volunteering abroad in South Africa and do both.

In South Africa you can see vastly diverse wildlife on safari in Kruger National Park, or any of the other growing number of game parks and private reserves. The country features top-quality urban beaches: Visit Boulders Beach to see endangered penguins up close, or trendy Camps Bay, both a short distance form Cape Town. There's always something to do: Go hiking, ride horses, or whale watch. South Africa is also home to excellent wine and some of the best food and restaurants in the world.

South Africa's long history of apartheid created vast economic and wealth inequality that continues today. Half of the majority black population lives in poverty, and suffered through centuries of oppression and stagnation. The poor in South Africa are desperately poor, with high unemployment caused by lack of access to decent education. The HIV/AIDS crisis has left millions of orphans who struggle to survive each day.

See South Africa through the eyes of its people and become part of the solution, while you help create positive change in the lives of those who need you the most when you join one of our volunteer-abroad programs.

Create new memories and change your life forever. Request information about volunteering in South Africa and choose a program that speaks to you!

Volunteer in South Africa Programs

Global Crossroad offers variety of exceptional volunteering and special programs to meet your volunteering as well as travelling need. Please feel free to choose any program you love and contact us for more information

Dates and Prices

Dates: Volunteer in South Africa

All volunteer programs in South Africa start every Monday of each month. However, if there is travel constrains, you can start any project on any day.

Prices: Volunteer in South Africa

Global Crossroad is committed to offering the most affordable and highest quality volunteering work in South Africa . We strive to keep our costs low. The humanitarian side of the business is our passion.

Global Crossroad's volunteer program in South Africa application and registration fee cost US $299. The application fee covers the cost of advertising, program promotion, and office expenses (rent, utilities, and staff salaries in USA office).

In addition to the application fee, you are required to pay a weekly program fee . You will pay your weekly fee directly to the country coordinator, who in turn will allocate it to your host family, project and other in-country support we offer to our volunteers. This way, the fees that you pay will benefit those who rightfully deserve them, and not for company profit.

Program fees exclude:

Visas

Airfare

Personal expenses on soft drinks and foods

Daily transportation

Airport return transfer

The volunteering trips in South Africa program fees will cover expenses that will begin on the first day of the program (usually the first or third Monday of the month) to the last day of the program. If you arrive before the first day of the program or you decide you stay beyond your program’s last day, you will be responsible for the additional expenses, which would typically be around $30 a day for room and meals at a hostel.

Accommodations and Meals: Volunteer in South Africa

During your volunteering trip to South Africa program, Global Crossroad's weekly fees include management of volunteers' meal plans and accommodations throughout projects and travel options. Three meals a day (breakfast, lunch and dinner) will be provided and will consist of local ingredients and feature traditional cuisine choices.

Our volunteer program in South Africa meal program can accommodate vegetarian needs; however, we are not able to provide for other dietary restrictions. Food and drinks outside of mealtimes are the volunteer's responsibility. In most cases, there are restaurants and markets nearby the homes in which our volunteers stay.

Most of the time during your South Africa volunteer opportunity timeframe, you may stay with a host family. Volunteers staying with a host family usually have a single bedroom, but may occasionally share a room with another volunteer of the same gender. Our host families are chosen carefully and are esteemed community members, who have experience in the realm of hosting international travelers.

Host family residences are in comfortable, clean and safe neighborhoods and rooms are simply furnished and tidy. Staying with a host family can offer the support system to those having a volunteering experience in South Africa will crave during their program and it is a great way to learn about a host country's culture and customs.

Unless you are traveling with your husband or wife, opposite gender rooming will not be permitted. You will either have your own private room or will be sharing with a same gender roommate. You can request to room with your travel partner if you are of the same sex.

When you join a volunteer program in South Africa, it is highly advised that you do not eat food from street vendors and do not drink the tap water. You are responsible for paying for bottled water and or asking your host family to boil you water to drink for the day.

Free Time Options: Volunteer in South Africa

The South Africa volunteer trips are located in Cape Town, the capital city of South Africa. Not only is Cape Town South Africa's second largest city, it is also the most popular tourist destination in all of Africa. Cape Town is the quintessential melting pot of South Africa; a city alive with creativity, color, sounds, and tastes.

When strolling through the city streets of Cape Town during your free time from your volunteering work in South Africa, you will fall in love with the natural beauties that surround you, the creative freedom of the locals, and the lively ambiance. There is a lot to do and see in your free time in and around Cape Town. You can visit many popular sites, such as Table Mountain National Park, City Bowl, various popular beaches, Chapman's Peak Drive, the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront, and Two Oceans Aquarium.

You will also have the opportunity to explore historical and natural landmarks during your volunteering experience in South Africa, such as the Castle of Good Hope, the Kistenbosch botanical gardens, and Robben Island. You will never get tired of visiting and exploring the beautiful city! Over the weekend, you can also take a trip to wine country! You will have plenty of free time to embrace all the South Africa has to offer when you volunteer abroad in South Africa.

Safety and Field Support

Our number #1 priority is the safety of our volunteers. Global Crossroad is a leading volunteer organization serving thousands of volunteers. We pride ourselves on providing the safest, highest quality, and most professional programs to our volunteers since 2003. Our dedicated team works closely from start to finish with each volunteer (and parents/guardians) to ensure a successful, satisfactory, and safe volunteering experience.

Below is a list of our safety and field support features that will demonstrate the level of support and safety each of you will receive while volunteering abroad.

1. Country Coordinator and Field Staff :

In each country, where we operate, we have a very strong and dedicated team of country coordinators and local staff members to support and take care of you. All of our country coordinators and field staff are highly experienced and responsible individuals. They have been running volunteer abroad program for many years. They have served thousands of volunteers, so they understand your needs and know how to run safe, rewarding, and meaningful volunteer abroad program for you.

Our In-country staff is responsible for a number of things. Below are some of the main services that they will provide:

2. Airport Greeting

We are dedicated to keeping you save and comfortable from your point of your arrival until your point of departure. We will always receive our volunteers at the airport and transfer them safely. Depending upon the country in which you choose to volunteer, our coordinator, local staff, or a professional transfer company employee will greet you at the airport.

3. Orientation and safety discussion

Regardless of where you join the Global Crossroad volunteer program, our program starts with an in depth discussion on safety, history, cultural people, religion, life, and do’s and don’ts. Depending upon the country, these orientation programs range from a few hours to three days. During orientation, we explain the different aspect of safety and general guidelines to help keep yourself safe while volunteering abroad.

4. Safe Host Family and Accommodation

While volunteering abroad, the majority of the time you will reside with a local host family, hostel, or similar accommodation. We always carefully select the host families and other forms of accommodations to make sure that you will be safe and comfortable. In all destinations, we have selected host families who are socially respected and responsible. Most of our host families have hosted international volunteers before, so they completely understand your needs. Your host family will always take care of you and keep you safe.

Similarly, all of our volunteer houses and hostels are located in very safe locations. These hostels are always guarded by security guards or supervised by the local staff very frequently to make sure that you are safe and secure. Also you will be staying with other volunteers from all over the world. You will never be alone.

5. Comprehensive Insurance and Evacuation Plan

While volunteering abroad, you will be covered by international insurance. This protects you in case something unforeseen happens. It is mandatory that all volunteers obtain a travel insurance policy when volunteering abroad. Global Crossroad offers one of the most comprehensive insurance packages from a third party. Our insurance policy provides excellent protection in the event that a health-related issue occurs, an accident, or other unpredictable incidences.

6. Placement with Other Volunteers

Global Crossroad is happy to place you with other volunteers (depending on availability) if this is something that would make you feel safer.

Any international travel requires caution and awareness; volunteering abroad is no exception. We suggest that all volunteers consult their own government advisory office before making the decision to participate in any overseas volunteering opportunities. International travel presents risks, especially with the modern day threat of international terrorism.

The U.S. State Department issues travel warnings and advisories in many countries for American travelers. These travel advisories and warnings frequently change, as situations in each country transform.

It is also wise to consult the Center for Disease Control for health related information and issues that might come up during your time volunteering abroad. Check out www.cdc.gov for possible health risks. One must also keep in mind that the sanitary conditions in developing countries are likely very different from those in your home country. It is also strongly advised that you do not drink the tap water and do not eat food from street vendors.

Most Frequently Asked Questions: Volunteer in South Africa

Global Crossroad has all the answers to all of your questions about volunteer programs in Ghana.

APPLICATION - INFORMATION

Global Crossroad has offered volunteer projects in South Africa (including internship) since 2003. We are able to place volunteers on the 1st or 3rd Monday of any month, year round. We recommend applying at least two months in advance, as there is an ever-increasing volume of applications. If your application must be expedited for quicker placement, please contact our office for more information.

Once Global Crossroad receives and reviews your completed application, it is then forwarded to our In-Country Coordinator in South Africa who will then finalize a personal assignment as per your qualifications, experience and requests. Your finalized placement details for volunteering in South Africa are forwarded to you upon completion.

The application process may take up to 2-4 weeks – occasionally longer given the time of year and influx of applications to your chosen country. However, in the event that an applicant requires quicker placement due to time constraints, we request you contact Global Crossroad's offices prior to submitting an application.

The only initial documentation required is our completed application form, which can be found online (http://www.globalcrossroad.com/apply). We reserve the right to request further information or documentation; however, in most situations information contained in the application is sufficient. Applicants have the option to either submit their application online or download the application from the website and submit the completed form to Global Crossroad's USA-based offices by either mail or fax.

Are there any necessary requirements to participate in the South Africa based volunteer programs? The only qualifications are:

An open-mind, a willingness to teach others as well a passion for helping those in need.

Enthusiasm for living abroad, meeting new people and embracing varied cultures.

VISA INFORMATION

Securing a tourist visa is the volunteer's responsibility and Global Crossroad requires all volunteers to obtain a tourist visa before departing for South Africa.

Please call our office or contact your nearest South Africa embassy to learn more about visa, visa fees and visa extensions. Much information can be learned online by searching out South Africa’s embassy or consulate.

Project schedules vary for each project in South Africa. Most projects are from Monday to Friday, for approximately 4-5 hours a day. Most volunteers have the weekends and evenings off to sightsee or explore South Africa on their own.

When you are volunteering in South Africa, you will be located in and around the Eastern and Western Cape Provinces, whereas wildlife programs are located in various parts of South Africa. Your placement documents, which will be sent to you prior to your trip, will contain all of the necessary location information for your specific project. You can also review more in-depth information about the location of your project on the Global Crossroad website.

South Africa is a multilingual country. South Africa has eleven official languages. They are Afrikaans, English, Ndedele, Northen Sotho, Sotho, Swazi, Tswana, Tsonga, Venda, Xhosa, and Zulu. Most South Africans can speak more than one language, but not always English.

Global Crossroad suggests that participants volunteer for at least 2 weeks given the amount of travel time that is typically necessary from one’s home country. In general, most countries do not allow those travelling on a tourist visa to stay longer than 12 weeks. If you would like to stay longer, please contact our offices to discuss your options.

ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE INFORMATION

If you are going on a volunteering trip to South Africa, you will fly into the Cape Town International Airport in Cape Town or other major international Airports of South Africa, please check your placement for more details

It is advised that you arrive the day before your volunteering in South Africa project begins. If you wish to arrive earlier, then your meals and accommodations will be your responsibility. Please make sure you review your assignment details and or culture and language immersion program information prior to booking your flight to ensure that you will arrive on the correct date.

You will be greeted at the airport for your volunteer abroad in South Africa program, but must send your travel itinerary to our in-country coordinator in South Africa prior to your arrival for your volunteering experience in South Africa.

You will be met by one of our staff members or our in-country coordinator. They will be holding up a sign with your name on it outside of the airport. If you happen to miss our representative due to a flight delay or any other reason, please make contact via telephone with the in-country coordinator (this number will be in your information packet). This rarely occurs though.

In the event that your arrival time is changes or delayed causing you to miss the Global Crossroad’s representative at the airport and requiring that you stay overnight in a hotel, you should hire a taxi to deliver you to the hotel designated in your placement. Remember to request a receipt from the driver.

IMPORTANT: Ensure that you have contacted Global Crossroad’s in-country coordinator BEFORE getting in a taxi. Participants are advised to contact Global Crossroad’s South African in-country coordinator the next day, as well, to let him or her know about your whereabouts.

Prior to the departure from your home country to your volunteer program to South Africa, please:

Make sure that you have packed all of your necessary documents (passpor, copy of passport, and one other form of picture I.D.)

t

Bring your volunteer assignment placement details

Prepare financially to cover unforeseen expenses ($150-$200 a week) you might incur during your volunteer abroad in South Africa project.

Prepare your mind and spirit for a new experience in a new country.

Depending on the time of your arrival for your South Africa volunteer opportunity, you will either have your orientation that day or the following day. A Global Crossroad representative will give you all of the necessary information to begin your South Africa volunteer trip, including safety measures. If you arrive over the weekend, you will have your orientation and begin your volunteer work in South Africa on Monday.

Please arrive the day before your assignment begins. If you wish to arrive earlier, your accommodation and meals will be your responsibility. Please review our assignment or Cultural Immersion start day details in your personal placement information package we will forward to you.

You will be greeted up at the airport, but you must send your travel itinerary to our South Africa in-country Coordinator and to us at Global Crossroad’s offices before your arrival in South Africa. You will be met by a local staff member or our in-country coordinator. They will be holding a sign with your name, awaiting your arrival outside of the airport.

If you miss our representative due to flight delay or confusion, please call the in-country coordinator number provided in your placement details. This rarely happens, but be prepared by keeping this important information with you as you travel. Make sure you look carefully for your pick-up representative, as it is normally busy outside of the airport.

In the event that your arrival time is changed/delayed, requiring you to stay overnight in a hotel (or if you failed to meet Global Crossroad's representative at the airport), you should hire a taxi at the airport. Request the taxi deliver you to the hotel designated in your placement details/pre-departure information. Remember to request a receipt from the driver.

IMPORTANT: Ensure that you have contacted Global Crossroad's in-country coordinator BEFORE boarding a taxi. Participants are advised to contact Global Crossroad's South Africa In-Country Coordinator the next day and let him/her know their whereabouts.

You can arrive up to a week early for your assignment; however, you are responsible for making and paying for these arrangements (including accommodations and food), and must still meet the in-country coordinator at the airport on the designated date.

Global Crossroad does not offer airport drop-off services after your volunteering work in South Africa is complete. You will need to arrange a taxi or bus ride to the airport following your assignment's completion. This is a simple process and our South Africa in-country coordinator or your host family can help you with the arrangements.

LIVING ACCOMMODATIONS INFORMATION

Global Crossroad’s weekly fees include management of volunteers’ meal plans and accommodations throughout projects and travel options. Three meals a day (breakfast, lunch and dinner) will be provided and will consist of local ingredients and feature traditional cuisine choices for South Africa. Our meal program can accommodate vegetarian needs; however, we are not able to provide for other dietary restrictions. Food and drinks outside of mealtimes are the volunteer’s responsibility. In most cases, there are restaurants and markets nearby the homes in which our volunteers stay.

In South Africa, we normally place our volunteers with a host family (aka “home stay). Volunteers usually have a single bedroom, but may occasionally share a room with another volunteer of the same gender. Our host families are chosen carefully and are esteemed community members, who have experience in the realm of hosting international travelers. Host family residences are in comfortable, clean and safe neighborhoods and rooms are simply furnished and tidy. Staying with a host family can offer the support system a volunteer will crave during their program and it is a great way to learn about a host country’s culture and customs. Most volunteers who have stayed with a host family note that their stay truly enriched their entire experience abroad. Orphanage volunteers might have the opportunity to stay with the children as many orphanages provide private rooms for international volunteers. These volunteer rooms will normally be shared with a volunteer of the same gender.

A unique and important part of Global Crossroad’s successful volunteer abroad programs is our volunteer support in-country. We put safety and comfort first as we deliver enriching and consistent experiences for our international travelers. Our support is multi-faceted while volunteers are in South Africa and our staff is in contact with our volunteers on a regular basis either with face-to-face visits or via phone/email. Key support comes from our country coordinator and in-country field staff. These individuals are employed by our company and committed to ensuring your experience the best it can be. Your chosen project staff and host family offers support as well, and they are familiar with working with international volunteers and accustomed to answering questions and providing guidance. Volunteers also have access to our country coordinator’s mobile number for emergencies. With longer assignments, our field staff visits regularly (every 2-4 weeks) to ensure the experience is meeting your expectations.

Sometimes an assignment may be too far to visit physically, so staff members will touch-base via phone/email. You are also welcome to stop in the offices at any time. You are never alone.

Specific details regarding accommodations, food and contact details for our local coordinator will be provided in personalized volunteer placement documentation prior to arrival.

In many situations yes, but please contact our office regarding your situation, since it may depend upon individual accommodation availability and time-of-year circumstances. Please be reminded that volunteers of different genders are often not permitted to stay in the same room, unless they are a married couple.

Yes, more often than not, but this depends on the exact assignment and accommodation placement. If you want to travel with a companion or group, we allow and encourage this option. You may be placed with different host families, but these residences will generally be located close (within one to two miles) to each other. Please be reminded that volunteers of different genders will normally not be allowed to stay in the same room, unless they are a married couple.

Bathroom facilities depend up on the location and project. Most of our host families have running water and western (or modern)-style toilets. However, in a few projects/accommodations there are varying toilet and bathroom situations.

Yes, but you will need an electrical converter. Information for different countries can be found on the Internet, for example http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mains_electricity.Your local small appliance specialty or travel retailer can advise you on plugs and voltage converters.

Global Crossroad can provide both vegetarian and non-vegetarian meals. We cannot accommodate special dietary needs (i.e. diabetics). If you require a special menu beyond vegetarian/vegan needs, you will need to be responsible for your own meals.

In most developing countries, tap water is not safe to drink. We recommend that you purchase bottled water for your consumption, but make sure that the cap's seal is not broken! You can also request that your host family boil water for you each day for you to consume.

HEALTH AND SAFETY

Any international travel requires caution and awareness. We suggest that all volunteers consult their own government advisory office before participating in a Global Crossroad program.

International travel does present risks, especially with the modern-day threat of international terrorism. The U.S. State Department issues travel warnings and advisories in many countries for American travelers. These travel advisories and warnings change frequently as situations in each country transform.

We use the Center for Disease Control traveler's health recommendations www.cdc.gov. You should also consult a travel doctor who will be knowledgeable about current epidemics, health risks and recommended vaccinations.

No! South Africa is still considered a developing country and you should be cautious. While you are in South Africa, food safety should be a major consideration. You can hardly resist the tempting novelty of street vendors and their food variety, but you should abstain. Our suggestion is to avoid eating on the streets until you get familiar with the general situation. The food will likely taste quite different from anything you have had before. Food safety problems can range from chemicals and contaminants, to bacteria as well as some other diseases. In South Africa, poor food cooking, preparation, and storage, as well as improper cleaning and disinfecting of cooking supplies is very common among street vendors. Therefore, we do not suggest buying food from street vendors.

MONEY

Major cities have ATM machines, will accept most of the international cards. You can withdraw cash from most international banks from ATM machines, but $2-4 USD surcharges apply for each transaction.

MasterCard, Visa, Cirrus/Maestro and American Express cards are usually only accepted at the more expensive restaurants and hotels. Use caution when paying by credit card, as there is potential for fraud.Ensure that you have notified your home bank of your intent to volunteer abroad in South Africa. This will provide you the necessary information and alleviate any confusion at your home bank regarding international transactions, which can result in a cautionary freeze on your account in some cases.

Global Crossroad manages food and rooms for our volunteers throughout the assignment; therefore, you will not need more money to pay for these expenses. However, if you plan to take part in activities outside of our organization or buy some souvenirs, you will need to bring extra money.

On a side note, you must also remember the fee for visas, which can range from US $150-200 depending on the length of stay. There may also be an airport tax that you pay upon your departure from South Africa. You will want to determine the amount of extra money you bring based on these factors.

Carrying cash is not always safe during your volunteering work in South Africa; therefore, do not carry a large surplus of cash with you. It is advised that you carry cash in a money belt with some additional stashed in your wallet.

COMMUNICATION

The contact details of our South Africa in-country coordinator will be given in final placement sheet. You can contact him or her by email or telephone. We suggest that all volunteers talk with country coordinator before they arrive.

International Direct Dialing from South Africa is available in cities. Phone cards are widely available and calls can be made from post offices, hotels, and phone booths on the streets. In hotels, local calls are generally charged at a nominal fee. Internet cafes are available in most towns.

Communication options depend on where you are placed. Most placements will have access to a post office, so mail and postcards are an option. If you are in a city placement, there are many places to make international phone calls or access the Internet.

These details will be provided prior to your departure to South Africa, so you can share communication options with your family and friends before you depart.

Yes, but it may or may not work. You will want to contact your mobile phone provider to make sure that your phone will work while you are in South Africa, but remember that roaming will apply and those charges can be very, very expensive. To avoid them, you may be able to buy a local SIM card to use in your phone. Research and confirm this information before traveling.

CULTURE & CUSTOMS

Volunteers should dress conservatively when at their assignments. Jeans and a t-shirt are acceptable. No short-shorts and tank tops please. Remember to consider the regional religious beliefs of South Africa, which may be extremely conservative and revealing clothing is unacceptable - shorts and skirts must be at least knee-length and no one should show their shoulders.

Please note: When entering temples, mosques, or buildings of religious importance always check what dress attire is required. In most cases, covering your head is required also take off your shoes and be dressed conservatively.

Many religions are practiced in South Africa, and there is no official state religion. However, many South Africans are Christian. A large number of people are members of independent African Christian churches, which vary in size from a few members to millions of members.

Be inclusive and show respect of their culture.
South Africa’s culture is rich in customs and traditions. People of South Africa enjoy sharing their customs and traditions with foreigners so feel free to take part with them. You can go with your host family on outings if they ask you to or invite them along with you to go on an outing. Simply helping your family do household chores will be another bonding experience that you can enjoy.

MORE INFORMATION ABOUT SOUTH AFRICA

Remember, South Africa is in the Southern Hemisphere, so seasons are probably reversed from your home country. The weather depends on the region you are in, but generally, Cape Town has a very pleasant Mediterranean climate. It is blessed with its geographical location, in the sense that currents from Antarctica keep it cool and disperse any pollution. Keep in mind that if and when storms make landfall in this region, they can be intense.

Tea light candles (during a power cut these are safer than regular candles)

Collapsible water bottle

Waterproof poncho

Gaffer tape

Universal bath plug

Towel and personal bath kit

SPF/sun protection, sunglasses

Camera

Insect net

Bedding (if noted in placement document)

Medical first-aid kit

NOTE: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) is generic information and should not be used as a definitive travel guide. Travel information and situations abroad change constantly. Participants should consult Global Crossroad or travel advisors to verify this information.